Stormwater Harvesting to Ensure Water Security
Stormwater harvesting is becoming a mainstream alternative source of water for cities. Read how City West Water in Melbourne is developing this source to ensure a water-secure future.
Stormwater harvesting involves collecting, storing, and treating stormwater from urban areas, which can then be used as recycled water. The stormwater is collected from stormwater drains or creeks and the recycled water produced is commonly used to water public parks, gardens, sports fields, and golf courses. The source area of harvested stormwater largely determines the quality of stormwater supply in a stormwater harvesting system: as precipitation accumulates and flows over surfaces it collects pollutants and microbial contaminants. The type of and quantity of pollution in stormwater depends on the composition of the surfaces over which stormwater runoff flows and the activities within the drainage area that generate pollution.
Stormwater harvesting and water security
Stormwater harvesting contributes to water security by:
- Conserving potable water for essential uses
- Providing an alternative to potable water during time of peak demand
- Reducing or limits withdrawals from ground or surface water supply
- Maintaining reliable water supply in event of municipal service disruption
City West Water’s Stormwater Harvesting Partnering Fund
In 2018, City West Water launched its Stormwater Harvesting Partnering Fund to work with communities to develop meaningful projects that promote sustainable water management and reduce demand for potable water. The utility co-funded six projects that harvest up to 108 million litres of stormwater per year for the irrigation of sports grounds and public open spaces.
Dempster Park Stormwater Harvesting Scheme
In October 2020, the utility launched round two of the Fund. The Dempster Park Stormwater Harvesting Scheme in Sunshine North is the first project to be co-funded in this new round. The scheme will see 11 million litres of stormwater runoff saved per annum as part of a new project to irrigate the park. The Scheme will capture stormwater in a 1.2-million-litre below-ground storage tank and be treated before irrigating the park and surrounds. A rain garden will help clean and filter the stormwater when it rains. The project is co-funded from various sources, including City West Water, the Brimbank City Council, Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water. The project is expected to be completed by July 2021 and will contribute to future water security in the city facing rising population growth and a changing climate.
The Take-out
Stormwater harvesting is a crucial strategy for achieving water security.
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